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Hawaii

Can I request an extension for CLE reporting in Hawaii?

No — Hawaii’s CLE scheme does not include a general extension mechanism for reporting; instead, after the deadline, you may cure noncompliance during an audit period (with fees).

Hawaii attorneys self-report their CLE on the annual registration and, if audited, may submit proof of completion within 60 days of notice along with payment of any late fee.

Detailed Explanation

  • Under RSCH Rule 22 and Hawaii CLE Regulations, active attorneys must complete at least 3 CLE credit hours by
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Are any attorneys exempt from CLE in Hawaii?

Yes — Hawaii provides several exemptions from its CLE (MCLE) requirement, such as for full-time federal/state judges, newly licensed attorneys in their admission year, and inactive bar members (among others under Rule 22).

Under Hawaii’s Rule 22 (RSCH), active members generally must complete 3 CLE hours annually, but exemptions include full-time judges (federal, ALJ, bankruptcy, etc.), new admittees in their admission year, and inactive members.

Details / Exceptions

  • Full-time judges and judicial officers: Federal judges, magistrate judges, bankruptcy judges, U.S. Court of
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What happens if I miss the CLE deadline in Hawaii?

Missing Hawaii’s CLE deadline triggers a certified notice of noncompliance and automatic suspension if not cured within 60 days. Hawaii attorneys must complete 3 CLE credits (including 1 ethics credit every three years) and report compliance by December 31.

Rule 22 Noncompliance Procedure

  • The Board sends a certified notice of noncompliance after the review or audit. ([HSBA CLE Regulations](https://hsba.org/images/hsba/MCLE/CLE_Regulations.pdf))
  • You have 60 days from the notice to submit evidence of completion of missing credits and pay the late fee, or prove the notice was issued in error. ([HSBA CLE Regulations](https://hsba.org/images/hsba/MCLE/CLE_Regulations.pdf))
  • If you fail to cure within 60 days, you are automatically and immediately suspended. ([HSBA CLE Regulations](https://hsba.org/images/hsba/MCLE/CLE_Regulations.pdf))

Key Takeaway: In Hawaii, missing the CLE or reporting deadline starts a 60-day cure window under Rule 22, and failure to comply by its end leads to automatic suspension until you complete the requirements and pay fees.

What counts toward CLE requirements in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, CLE credit counts for attending approved programs, teaching, writing scholarly legal articles, in-house courses, and out-of-state or alternate-format programs—so long as they satisfy HSBA standards under Rule 22.

These activities must be approved by the Hawaii State Bar or accepted jurisdictions and meet quality, content, and delivery requirements set in the CLE Regulations.

Details

  • Active attorneys must complete at least 3 credit hours annually, including 1 hour of ethics every three years.
  • Attending
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Are carryover CLE credits allowed in Hawaii?

Yes — Hawaii allows carryover of CLE credits, up to 3 hours, but ethics credits cannot be carried forward.

This carryover relates particularly to the Hawaii Professionalism Course for new attorneys and more generally to unused credits from the prior year.

Details & nuances

  • Under Hawaii rules, active members must complete 3 CLE credit hours per year, with at least one
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Does Hawaii have minimum live webcast or in-person CLE requirements?

No — Hawaii does not require a minimum number of in-person (classroom) CLE hours.

Hawai‘i’s MCLE rules allow credit for approved programs in any format (in-person, live webcast, or on-demand) so long as they satisfy continuing education standards.

Details

  • Active attorneys in Hawai‘i must complete 3 credit hours of CLE annually, including an ethics component every three
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How early can I report CLE credits in Hawaii?

You may begin reporting CLE for Hawaii when you file your annual attorney registration, which includes certifying your prior year’s compliance (i.e. “reporting” occurs in January after the year ends).
Hawaii’s compliance period is the calendar year (January 1 to December 31), and attorneys certify CLE compliance on their annual registration form the following year.

Key Details

  • Active Hawaii attorneys must complete 3 CLE credits per calendar year, inclusive of 1 ethics credit every three years.
  • CLE credits must be earned by December 31 of that year.
  • Reporting is done through the annual attorney registration form, where you certify that you satisfied the CLE requirement for the previous year.
  • Providers (e.g. NBI) report attendance to the Hawaii State Bar so that your transcript is up to date by registration time.
  • You must maintain documentation (certificates, course records) for three reporting periods in case of audit.
  • Sprout Education reports attendance on behalf of attorneys (within 30 days where permitted) and helps ensure those credits appear when you register.

Key Takeaway: You can “report” your Hawaii CLE compliance only when you complete your annual registration (typically in January following year-end), not before — all required CLE must be earned by December 31.

How many CLE credits do Hawaii attorneys need?

Hawaii attorneys must complete 3 CLE credit hours per year, with at least 1 credit of ethics/professional responsibility every three years.

All 3 credits are earned within the calendar year and reported during annual registration.

Details

  • Requirement: 3 hours annually for active attorneys.
  • Ethics: At least 1 credit of ethics or professional responsibility
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How do I report CLE credits in Hawaii?

You report CLE credits in Hawaii by certifying your CLE compliance on your annual attorney registration form (due after December 31).
Hawaii requires a minimum of 3 CLE credit hours per calendar year, with at least 1 ethics hour every three years.

Overview of Hawaii MCLE Reporting

Hawaii’s Mandatory CLE (Rule 22) obligates all active attorneys to complete at least 3 CLE credit hours each year.
Of those, at least 1 credit hour of ethics or professional responsibility must be completed once every three years, and that hour counts toward the annual requirement.
Attorneys are not required to submit certificates yearly unless selected for audit; records must be maintained for three reporting periods.

How to Report CLE in Hawaii

  • Complete your 3 credit hours by December 31 of each year, including ethics when required.
  • Retain your
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